Wigan v Liverpool Preview: Hodgson Unconcerned About Pepe Reina's Potential Exit

Posted Wednesday, November 10, 2010 by sportinglife.aol.co.uk

PREMIER LEAGUE: DW STADIUM, WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 10, 2010: KICK-OFF: 1945 GMT

Wigan will welcome a transformed Liverpool team. A month ago, the Latics would have been licking their lips at the prospect of facing a demoralised and demotivated Liverpool side.

However, four straight wins, plus new Anfield owners, mean the visitors are all smiles at present.

Wigan beat the Reds at home last season and manager Roberto Martinez would love to repeat that effort as his team currently sit in the relegation zone.

There was enough to feel confident about on Saturday - despite the loss to Blackburn Rovers - as Wigan played exceptionally well in the second half.

But performances are not as important as points. Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson would be the first tell Martinez that after the successful month he has just experienced.

Key Match-up: Gary Caldwell v Fernando Torres: Caldwell will have his work cut out after Torres's showing against Chelsea. If he is back to his best - as Sunday would suggest - then Caldwell cannot let him out of his sight for a second.

Form Guide: Wigan have not won in the league since beating Wolves five weeks ago, while Liverpool have had a much more productive recent period, recording consecutive victories over Blackburn Rovers, Bolton and Chelsea in the Premier League as well as Napoli in the Europa Lague.

Odds: Wigan 11/2, Liverpool 3/1, Draw 3/1

WIGAN:
Martinez insists his player are relishing the opportunity to play Liverpool - even though Hodgson's team are back in the winning mood.

He is hoping the setback at Blackburn will help to mentally strengthen his side - and points to Liverpool as an example of a side that has recently come through a tough patch all the stronger for it.

He said: "Every experience makes you stronger and gets you together - that's quite clear. In a way, you can see that looking at Liverpool and their moment of form.

"I think it's easier to get closer when the results are there and the success is through the squad, but every experience allows you to take it with both hands, take responsibility and get the group stronger.

"That is what we have been doing and that is why we can't wait to get out on the pitch on Wednesday and make sure we make our fans proud."

Strategy: Take their chances. Wigan have scored just eight goals in the Premier League this season. That is clearly not enough - but it is not as if they are not making chances. Hugo Rodallega and Charles N'Zogbia are getting plenty of opportunities, but just need to start taking them.

Injury Update: Emmerson Boyce will be absent with a thigh problem while James McCarthy will be out until after Christmas
after undergoing ankle surgery last week.

LIVERPOOL:
Just as Roy Hodgson was hoping for a full week of good news, along comes a story claiming that influential goalkeeper Pepe Reina will leave the club in the summer.

It is not exactly perfect pre-match strategy to have to fend off questions about one of your best players and a true fans' favourite and Hodgson was in no mood to give credence to the speculation that Reina might well be off.

"There is always spin put on these things but as far as I am concerned we are very happy to have Pepe Reina and I hope he will stay a lot longer than that," he responded when he heard that Reina had reportedly said he was looking to move elsewhere.

'If at the end of the season he doesn't want to play for Liverpool any more then we'd have to deal with that situation when we come to it.

'But I don't understand why, seven or eight months from the date I'm being asked to give my opinion on it.

"He is an excellent goalkeeper and I hope he plays for Liverpool for years and years to come. If he doesn't want to play for years and years to come we'll deal with the situation when it occurs.'

"Pepe Reina is one of the most committed players at the club. He is one I don't ever have any doubts about his desire to get on the field and do his best and win the game. That is the most important thing and I don't see why it is necessary for me or him to discuss a year ahead."

The fixture against Wigan would appear to provide Liverpool with a strong opportunity to make it four Premier League wins on the bounce but Hodgson will not be taken Martinez's men lightly.

He added: "They are a good Premier League side who have been unlucky recently. There is no way this will be anything other than a difficult encounter.

"If we can do well in our next two games then of course we can start looking up the table - two results in this league can make all the difference"

Strategy: Liverpool will be looking to keep up their current impressive run and will again need Torres to provide a spark of genius. Steven Gerrard has been sublime of late so Hodgson will be hoping he can maintain his dominant form in the centre of the park, while the likes of Lucas, Martin Kelly and Maxi Rodriguez will also get further opportunities to prove their worth to the club with starting positions.

Injury Update: Sotirios Kyrgiakos has tonsillitis and will be absent as will Joe Cole (hamstring), Glen Johnson (thigh), Ryan Babel (bruised ribs) and Joe Cole( hamstring).